Pictures shared on Jason Parnell's Instagram account should he and his wife enjoying their holiday in ThailandCredit:
Instagram/Jason Pula

The Angthong Discovery Tour vessel was carrying 32 tourists and four crew members when it overturned after hitting rough waters and strong winds.

The boat's captain, Sanan Seekakiaw, was taken into police custody following the crash and faces a possible charge of reckless endangerment causing death, which comes with a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Mr Seekakiaw said he had asked all tourists to wear a life vest, but that some had taken them off during the journey.

One of the tourists being rescued from the capsized boat off Koh SamuiCredit:
AP

Travel agent Amm Pontfuk, who has worked with Angthong Discovery for a number of years, said the boat had not left shore in the days preceding the accident due to rough conditions.

She said: "This company is the number one for my travel agency, I have sent the manager customers for years, I have known him a long time.

"He is very concerned and professional, normally in bad weather he doesn't go out - he did not go out for three days already - and yesterday he thought the weather was OK and that was why he went out.

"The wind blew very, very strong and it made the boat go under the waves and flip."

The speedboat overturned off Koh Samui in Thailand

It is believed there were other British people on board the boat but they are understood to have been released from hospital following treatment for any injuries.

Koh Samui is among the most popular Thai island destinations for backpackers and luxury holidaymakers alike, and is known for its beautiful beaches, coconut plantations and waterfalls.